A SURVEY claims 30% of independent retailers in Yorkshire and the North East are considering closing their shops as a result of the impact of tobacco smuggling.

A SURVEY claims 30% of independent retailers in Yorkshire and the North East are considering closing their shops as a result of the impact of tobacco smuggling.

The Tobacco Alliance also found many retailers had considered cutting jobs.

The group's Yorkshire spokes- man John Abbott said: "We very much welcome the recent achievements of HM Customs and their increased efforts through Customs Minister John Healey MP in tackling tobacco smuggling."

Tom Irving, a York retailer, said: "There is no question that tobacco smuggling is having a detrimental effect on our business. The Government needs to act - and act fast - in order to erase tobacco smuggling and help safeguard corner shops like mine across the UK."